After graduating in agricultural engineering in 1940 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech), Skelton began his Extension career as a 4-H extension agent for nine counties with headquarters in Appomattox County. Following service as a U.S. Army officer in WW II, he became an extension agent in Henry County. He served as State 4-H Leader in 1950-1962 and Virginia Cooperative Extension Director in 1965-1976 before retiring in 1979. Dr. Skelton has been president of the Old Guard, a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Tech Foundation, a delegate to two National White House Conferences on Youth, and president of Epsilon Sigma Phi.
Dr. Skelton conceived the 4-H educational center concept in the late 1950′. Instead of 4-H camps, the model placed a 4-H center in each geographic area of the Commonwealth to provide more 4-H facilities for camping and other programs. Bill’s leadership and influence spread world-wide when he was elected president of Rotary International in 1983. He spent a year serving as an ambassador for world peace and understanding and met with major world leaders and Rotarians in many countries. Skelton is currently president of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and is leading an effort to establish a new alumni center on campus. He still works to secure private sector funds for VA Tech.
